A 61-year-old Macomb Township woman charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of her 75-year-old husband says she suffered from battered woman syndrome.

Julie Chimelak called 911 last Wednesday to report that her husband, Ron Chimelak, had been shot at their home in Macomb Township. She said it was an accident.

The Macomb Daily of Mount Clemens says she told a magistrate during her arraignment by video on Monday that her husband was "threatening to kill me for months." The magistrate advised Chimelak to refrain from elaborating because her statements could be used by prosecutors.

She's due back in court later this month.

Second-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison. She's also charged with manslaughter and using a firearm during a felony.

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